The Ladies Market Hong Kong - How To Get To Guide
A Detailed Market History, What’s On Offer + Transport Tips
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972 - I know the place.
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The Ladies Market Hong Kong - How To Get To Guide
A Detailed Market History, What’s On Offer + Transport Tips
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© Copyright Acknowledged | All rights reserved.| Image taken by Jamie
The Ladies Market | How To Get To Guide | Hong Kong
The History and Evolution of this iconic day and night market in Hong Kong : For curious visitors who want to explore Hong Kong’s vibrant Street Market scene
Visiting the vibrant street market scene in Hong Kong, we have quite a few but the 2 stand outs for me are the Ladies Market and the Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon
I always enjoy going to the major markets in Hong Kong, there are 5 of them and for some peculiar reason they are in Kowloon and not on Hong Kong Island ( my favourite historically was the Poor Mans Night Market near the Macau Ferry Terminal on Hong Kong Island which closed decades ago.
As much as I visit these markets quite often people might like to do them on day 2 of their visit or visit the most popular ones (the Ladies Market and the Temple Street Night Market at night time when they close at around 11pm (ish)
This guides provide information and history about the market with tips about transport options to get there, which is pretty straight forward using the MTR which is our world class subway system
Ladies' Market in Hong Kong: A Comprehensive Guide
The Ladies' Market embodies the city's vibrant street culture - chaotic, colorful, and quintessentially Mong Kok. Located on the southern stretch of Tung Choi Street (between Argyle Street and Dundas Street) in Kowloon, it's a pedestrian-only haven (please note that some streets running from east to west dissect the market in places such as Sneaker Street, so be careful, there are signs) for bargain hunters. Despite its name, it's no longer just for "ladies" - it's a family-friendly shopping frenzy drawing locals and tourists alike.
This market offers authentic Hong Kong energy. Below, are details of the market drawn from historical records, current visitor insights, and official perspectives and some tips of my own given I have been there over 500 times since 1975
History and Origins
The Ladies' Market traces its roots to the 1970s and basically opened in 1975 - emerging as an informal extension of Mong Kok's bustling hawker trade during Hong Kong's post-war economic boom.
Hawkers would carry their wares in large baskets and such and simply stop anywhere on any street and sell them, unregulated, illegal and absolutely essential for local residents.
Tung Choi Street itself dates back further—its name means "copper coin street," reflecting its origins as a trading hub in the early 20th century - but the market as we know it kicked off as mentioned around 1975. Originally focused on affordable women's clothing and accessories (hence the "Ladies'" moniker, or "女人街" in Cantonese), it catered to factory workers and housewives in the densely populated Kowloon district. By the 1980s, it had formalized into a licensed street bazaar, surviving urban redevelopment waves that wiped out many similar spots. Today, it's a preserved slice of old Hong Kong, contrasting the high-rises around it. Fun fact: In the 1990s, it gained international fame after featuring in films like Chungking Express, putting Mong Kok on the global tourist map.
Approximate Number of Stalls
Expect around 200-250 stalls lining the 1-kilometer stretch, yes, that’s right stalls come and go on a regular basis and the exact count fluctuates seasonally as well, the stall they are pretty fungible, it always seems busier December through April when it is a lot cooler. It's one of Hong Kong's largest open-air markets, with vendors spilling onto sidewalks and narrow alleys - perfect for souvenir shopping but a navigation challenge for first-timers.
Here is a tip, if the crowds feel overwhelming and you want a break, simply head for the sidewalks behind the stalls on each side, they are a lot less crowded
Opening and Closing Hours
Officially, stalls open daily from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm, but take that as a guide but most stores open at 12pm the street becomes pedestrian-only around 4:00 pm (and watch out for those cars at intersections), ramping up the energy until close to midnight. Rainy days (common in summer) can shutter early, stall coverings or not you can get soaked! so head for the sidewalks and pop into a local cafe.
What's on Offer
All sorts of stuff and lots of stuff you don’t actually need but you buy it anyway for family and friends and as a reminder of your visit
Gone are the days of just ladies' wear - now it's a grab-bag of affordable knockoffs and curios like many markets in South East Asia
Clothing and Accessories: T-shirts, dresses, hats and caps, handbags, jewellery, and sunglasses .
Souvenirs and Gadgets: Phone cases, keychains, fans, and quirky toys.
Everyday Essentials: Shoes, luggage, watches, and all sorts of fake designer goods.
Street Food Nearby: While not core to the market, adjacent stalls sell egg waffles, fish balls, and bubble tea for HK$10-30.
Quality varies wildly—great for impulse buys, but inspect for durability. It's ideal for tourists seeking "Hong Kong souvenirs under HK$100. or US$12.80”
It is also a fact that these retail shops and market stalls tend to shy away from offering any product that could be seen by the authorities as a “knock off” in other words brand name bags, scarves, jewellery and such, so what to do? well you hit the street markets and yes I have lost count of the number of times I have advised my guests on the procedure for buying fake brand name goods.
Tip - if you are in the market for knock off designer goods, generally these are NOT on display at the stall, perhaps just one or two under the counter, if you are interested the stall holder (who will sell generic handbags) and | or his or her mates will take you to a room in a nearby building where there is a showroom of sorts with all the famous brands, haggling is expected
In my experience it is perfectly safe.
Here is another tip, many stall holders seem to own mulitple stalls, so in the entire length of the market you will see the exact same products and yes, the price is always more or less than the previous stall. so unless you see the market as a chore do not buy from the first stall you come across with items of interest, you would be surprised how many people walk the entire length of the market, turn round at the end and walk back in the opposite direction, these are serious shoppers!
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© Copyright Acknowledged | All rights reserved.| Image taken by Jamie
The Ladies Market | Product Selection - Lots of stuff! | Hong Kong
Safety Concerns
Mong Kok is one of Hong Kong's safest districts, thanks to heavy foot traffic (natural deterrence) and regular police patrols (visible in uniforms + plain clothes)
Please note the crowds can feel overwhelming but with a happy atmosphere, the stalls are packed close together and you will jostled and man handled at times, families with strollers are at times a menace, blocking the centre aisle so to speak
That said, the crowds (up to 100,000 visitors on weekends) invite pickpockets - keep valuables in front pockets and use anti-theft bags. Women travelers occasionally report overly persistent vendors, but harassment is rare. plenty of CCTV, making it family-safe even at night.
In my experience most people know how to navigate crowded markets and if there was a problem with pickpockets we would know about it in the press and that simply does not happen
Stall Holders and What to Expect
Vendors are a mix of lifelong Mong Kok families and rotating entrepreneurs _ (and I use that term loosely) many in their 50s-70s and female, who've honed their patter over decades. Expect high-energy chaos: Loud Cantonese banter, neon signs, and aggressive "sales pitches" like "Hey lady, best price for you!" Some can come off rude or pushy if you linger without buying, but it's all part of the theater - smile and engage for better deals. The vibe? Sensory overload: Smells of sizzling street food, haggling echoes, and neon glow. It's less "polished tourist trap" than Temple Street, more "authentic local frenzy." Pro tip for guides: Point out the "hidden" stalls in alleys for unique finds like vintage Hong Kong postcards.
In 2024 and 2025 I have noticed a subtle change in the staff manning the stalls at the Ladies Market, a lot more are Mainland Chinese residents and not all Hong Kong residents and their English is NOT as good as local Hong Kongers, it can be a struggle to get your message across but they seem to know how to barter without any issues! and they are pretty friendly
Please bear in mind that no matter what price you pay they are making a healthy profit on the sale, most of the items I imagine are made in Mainland China at a very low cost, trust me you cannot offend them with your bargaining techniques!
Payment Methods
Cash is king - most stalls only accept Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) in small bills (HKS10,20,50,100). Octopus cards or mobile payments (AlipayHK/WeChat Pay) are rare here; nearby ATMs are plentiful.
i have never met a stall holder yet who will accept US$ which is odd as it is basically a fixed exchange rate.
so HK$ Cash only
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© Copyright Acknowledged | All rights reserved.| Image taken by Jamie
The Ladies Market | Some of my Private Tour Guests | Hong Kong
Bargaining Techniques - be prepared for some serious haggling!
Haggling is an art form and in my experience women are much better at it than men! I suck at haggling, my wife could get a 2 carat Graff diamond for less than wholesale!
the price of any product is negotiable and more savvy people than me will start the bidding with a 50% or 60% discount!
many stalls have signs that state a “fixed” price with no discounts, just ignore that, everything is subject to a discount
the stall holder will look horrified and in broken English give a million reasons why there price is the cheapest and there are no discounts oh and their husband just died and she has 5 kids to feed (I have heard this a few times myself)
you will then mutter a few words, turn your back and walk away as you know better
the plainly “shocked” stall holder will shout after you or manhandle you and agree to your discount or an even steeper discount if you reach for your wallet | purse
stay friendly: mile, some people say to use simple Cantonese like "Dīk yàt dik?" (a bit cheaper?). trust me this is useless, it is more likely that if you get the tone wrong then you are insulting their parentage or worse - they have zero expectations that any foreigner can speak Cantonese and you are wasting your time - stick to English .
I repeat again - stick to English
Aggression backfires - vendors mirror your tone and will curse you loudly, questioning YOUR.parentage and frankly most of them are pretty jolly and friendly and there is no need to be rude
Bundle Up: Buy multiples for extra discounts (20-50% off total). Some people will say that peak discounts hit 60%+ after 7:00 pm as stalls clear inventory, this is complete nonsense, at the end of the days all the products go into boxes and stored in hidden rooms and dodgy warehouses and will be back on sale the next day
Not all items (e.g., food) are negotiable.
Cash payment, deal done, smiles all around!
“For Maximum Bargaining Power (Late Evening)
Optimal Window: 7:00 pm - 9:00 am
Advantages: Vendors eager to clear inventory, potential for 60% discounts, reduced crowds, more personal attention from vendors
Best For: Serious shoppers seeking the lowest prices on electronics, clothing, and accessories
During these evening hours, vendors become increasingly motivated to make sales rather than pack unsold inventory. This creates exceptional opportunities for aggressive bargaining, particularly on larger items like handbags, jackets, and electronics that vendors prefer not to store overnight.”
This advice comes from the official Ladies Market website, as I stated, this is nonsense, given that many stalls have thousands of items on display and in boxes I cannot imagine they sell that much on any given day and pretty much you can get bargains when they first open and during the trading day and not just before closing - this is pure marketing blurb
Try the whole 60% discount at 1pm, you might get lucky.
Best Time to Visit
Aim for late afternoon to early evening (5:00-9:00 pm) when the neon lights flicker on and crowds peak for that electric atmosphere - perfect for photos and people-watching. Weekends feel most alive (Sunday evenings are prime), but arrive by 6:00 pm to beat the crush. Avoid midday heat (it's sweltering) or post-10:00 pm if with kids, as it winds down. Personally I think the place hops at night time!
My Guide : The Top 5 Jade & 5 Pearl shops in Hong Kong for Tourists | Shops NOT market stalls
Repeat after me, market stall jewellery is NOT REAL
I get asked about this all the time. there is plenty of jade and pearls on offer at the Ladies Market, it is NOT real, it is fake.
Most folk go the Jade Market in Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon and even there, most of the products are NOT the real thing, in a nutshell, real jewellery is sold in shops not on market stalls, this guide of mine is very informative and could save you a lot of money and heartache.
By all means at the Ladies Market buy these items as gifts but do not overpay, you are basically buying costume jewellery, you should not be spending thousands of HK$!!
Interesting Anecdotes
The Name That Stuck: In the 1970s, a British expat journalist dubbed it "Ladies' Market" after seeing women dominate the shoppers the tag endured despite men now outnumbering them apparently
Celebrity Sighting 1!: Jackie Chan once haggled for fake Rolexes here in the '80s, reportedly walking away with a "deal" that broke on the spot—vendors still joke about it.
Celebrity Sighting 2! Legend has it that David Bowie and John Lennon visited the Ladies market in the late 1970’s and boought a jacket or two
Pandemic Pivot: During COVID lockdowns (2020-2022), stalls sold masks and sanitizers at markup, but locals rallied with "buy local" campaigns, turning it into a community lifeline.
Unusual Story: One veteran vendor (now 80) claims his stall started as a laundry service in the 1960s—clotheslines evolved into racks, birthing the market's fashion focus.
Street Food at the Ladies Market
If you are feeling peckish
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The Ladies Market | Food Crawl | Hong Kong
More food shops than stalls particularly at the Southern end of the Ladies Market - but plenty of choice for those wanting to try local restaurants and street food.
The new Street Food Section of the Temple Street Night Market is in my humble opinion, much, much better than the Ladies Market and I would not be surprised if the Government suggests the Ladies Market do the same thing and have a huge dedicated street food section
The Ladies Market is better for product selection in terms of stuff but the Temple Street Night Market wins by a country mile on the food aspect, if you have the time you can do both!
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© Copyright Acknowledged | All rights reserved.| Image taken by Jamie
The Ladies Market | Food Crawl - Street Food in a shop setting | Hong Kong
Government Policy Towards the Market
Hong Kong's government views the Ladies' Market as a cultural "hallmark," actively preserving it under urban planning guidelines that protect street bazaars as tourism assets. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) licenses hawkers, enforcing hygiene and fire safety, while the Tourism Board promotes it via campaigns like "Hong Kong Fun in 18 Districts." However, broader policies have been mixed: Post-1970s crackdowns evicted unlicensed vendors citywide, but established spots like this one get grandfathered in. Recent 2025 LegCo discussions emphasize revitalizing hawker culture amid declining numbers, with calls for flexible licensing to prevent "disappearing markets." No major threats loom—it's safe from redevelopment for now, thanks to its economic pull (millions in annual tourism revenue).
Sneaker Street in Hong Kong intersecting the Ladies Market
Sneaker Street (Fa Yuen Street) – The Perfect Companion Spot | Real products not fakes
Just parallel to Ladies' Market, Sneaker Street (or "波鞋街") is a sneakerhead's dream - over 100 shops crammed into a 600-meter stretch, making it one of the densest concentrations of sports footwear anywhere.
History and Origins Fa Yuen Street means "garden street," and historically (Ming and Qing dynasties), it was farmland for growing flowers in old Mong Kok village. It transformed in the 1980s economic boom when sports shoe shops relocated here for cheaper rents, evolving into the themed "Sneaker Street" we know today. It's attracted global attention, with foreign football teams and NBA stars hosting events here.
Approximate Number of Shops Over 100 retailers, many multi-storey, with big chains like Nike and Adidas flagships alongside independents. Stock often overlaps (some owned by the same groups), so compare prices!
Opening and Closing Hours Most shops open 10:00-11:00 am to 10:00-11:00 pm daily- one of the latest shopping spots in Hong Kong.
What's on Sale Primarily authentic sneakers and sportswear: Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Puma, Converse, Jordan limited editions, running shoes, streetwear apparel, and accessories. Prices: 10-60% off retail, especially older models or parallel imports. Rare HK exclusives and factory overruns abound - great for genuine bargains, unlike the fakes common elsewhere.
Safety Concerns Same as Ladies' Market: Very safe with crowds and Police patrols, but watch for pickpockets in the bustle. Narrow sidewalks can feel cramped.
Shop Owners and What to Expect Friendly but competitive staff—knowledgeable about sizes and authenticity. Expect bright displays, try-ons (bring socks!), and a more retail feel than stalls. Less chaos than Ladies' Market, more focused browsing. Pro tip: Check for "No Fakes" stickers for peace of mind.
Payment Methods Cash preferred, but many accept cards, Octopus, or mobile payments—more modern than Ladies' Market.
Bargaining Techniques Less aggressive than Ladies' Market—polite negotiation works (ask for "best price" or bundle deals). Discounts better on multiples or end-of-day. (although I would personally dispute that!)
Best Time to Visit Weekday afternoons for quieter browsing and better service; evenings/weekends for vibe but crowds. Pair with Ladies' Market: Start Sneaker Street midday, cross over for evening haggling.
Interesting Anecdotes
From Flowers to Footwear: Once flower fields, now the world's sneaker capital.
Celebrity Draws: NBA stars and football teams have launched products here.
Size Note: Asian sizing dominates—larger Western sizes (US 11+) can be scarce, so advise clients accordingly.
Government Policy Similar to Ladies' Market—promoted by the Tourism Board as a key attraction. No hawker stalls in the sneaker section (fixed shops), so fewer licensing issues, but part of broader efforts to preserve Mong Kok's themed streets.
Getting to the Ladies' Market (Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok) by MTR, our subway
The Ladies' Market is super easy to reach by MTR—it's one of the most convenient spots in Hong Kong for public transport. The closest station is Mong Kok Station, served by two lines:
Tsuen Wan Line (Red Line)
Kwun Tong Line (Green Line)
Mong Kok is a major interchange, so trains run frequently (every 2-4 minutes during peak hours). Fares are cheap—usually HK$5-15 depending on where you're coming from, payable by Octopus card (recommended) or single-journey ticket from ticket machines or the customer service centers
MTR Directions to the Ladies' Market in Mong Kok
This is my tip which is quite different to what others suggest
I use a shortcut I been using for years. That narrow alleyway right next to Exit D3 is the best and fastest way - it drops visitors straight into the northern end of the Ladies' Market in seconds, bypassing the longer walk along Argyle Street. It's well-lit, busy enough to feel safe at any hour
Here’s the updated, foolproof guide incorporating my pro shortcut:
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© Copyright Acknowledged | All rights reserved.| Image taken by Jamie
The Ladies Market | Exit D3 at the MTR station and alley shortcut | Hong Kong
Best Route: My Insider Shortcut via Mong Kok Station Exit D3 (Fastest – Under 1 Minute Walk)
This puts you right at the northern entrance of the Ladies' Market (near Argyle Street), ideal for starting at the beginning and walking south through the full stretch that ends a short walk from Yau Ma Tei MTR Station
Alight at Mong Kok Station (Tsuen Wan Line – Red, or Kwun Tong Line – Green).
Inside the station, follow the clear yellow signs for Exit D (specifically D3 – it's well-marked).
Take the escalator up and follow the sign towards Exit D3.
Go up the final short flight of steps to street level – you'll emerge on Sai Yeung Choi St. South Street right in front of the distinctive red-and-blue MTR entrance (exactly as in my second photo).
As soon as you step out, look immediately to your left – you'll see a narrow alleyway lined with shops, bamboo scaffolding (which may no longer be there) , money exchange booths, and hardware stores (perfectly matching my first photo, with the blue "Hong Kong Exchange" sign often visible).- please note and just making doubly sure -that the Bamboo Scaffolding may NOT be there in 2026 and the alleyway is perfectly safe day or night
Walk straight down this short alley (it's only about 30-50 metres). generally it is deserted except for people smoking a cigarette! from nearby restaurant kitchens
You'll pop out directly onto Tung Choi Street – and boom, you're in the heart of the Ladies' Market! Stalls will be on both sides, and the neon energy starts right there.
Why this is the best:
Saves 3 - 4 minutes compared to walking around on Argyle Street.and a lot less crowded
Drops you a little deeper into the market immediately.
The alley is perfectly safe day or night – it's sometimes busy with locals, has CCTV, and is a common shortcut used by Mong Kok residents and me!
Alternative Standard Route (Still Good): Exit E2 (Middle/Northern Section – 2-3 Minutes Walk)
If you prefer entering nearer the middle (closer to Dundas Street):
Follow signs to Exit E2.
Emerge on Nelson Street, walk straight, turn left onto Tung Choi Street – straightforward but slightly longer.
Accessibility Note
For wheelchairs, strollers, or anyone avoiding steps: Use Exit A1 or A2 (lifts to Nathan Road), then walk or take a short taxi – the D3 alley has steps at the MTR end
Alternative Station: Mong Kok East (If on Tuen Ma Line – Purple Line)
If you're coming from further east (e.g., Kowloon Tong or New Territories), alight at Mong Kok East Station (connected overhead to Mong Kok Station via walkway). Use Exit B and walk south—it's about 10 minutes to the northern end of the market.
Quick Examples from Popular Starting Points
From Tsim Sha Tsui/Central/Hong Kong Island: Take Tsuen Wan Line (Red) northbound to Mong Kok (2-6 stops).
From Kowloon/Tung Chung/Airport side: Transfer if needed to Red or Green Line.
From East Kowloon: Kwun Tong Line (Green) to Mong Kok.
Download the official MTR app for real-time routes, or check station maps—signage is excellent in English. Trains run until around midnight-1 am, perfect for night market visits.
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The Ladies Market | MTR System Map | Hong Kong
I do not do food tours
I am pleased to say a lot of Food Tour Companies will have egg tarts and egg puffs on their tasting menu
I have very specific reasons and part of it is that I do not speak Cantonese or write Chinese, I am from Yorkshire in England and I lack the language gene and it is not through lack of trying and yes a lot of restaurants do not have English menu’s or staff who speak conversational English.
.. and yet I have eaten at close to 1,400 restaurants in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972, my wife was born in Hong Kong and we have been together over 40 years and her first language is Cantonese and a lot of her family are Chinese or half Chinese so I have never had much of an issue!
This does not translate to doing food tours though, yes, I could do them, no problem there but they would never ever be as good as the food tours done by my friends (see the 3 links above) most of their awesome guides are locally born Hong Kong Chinese and obviously food culture is part of their DNA, it is impossible for me to compete with that!
So please feel free to contact them for food tours
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Consultants Hong Kong | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong |
| 2010 - 2026 All rights reserved. |
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